Yuanmiao Temple, Quanzhou泉州元妙观

Type

Temples and Abbeys (Gongguan)

Location

China · Fujian · Quanzhou · Xinfukou, Dongjie, Licheng District

Coordinates

24.913, 118.59 Map ↗

School

Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Daoism

First built

During the Taikang era of the Western Jin (280–289) · Originally named Baiyun Temple; called Longxing Temple in the Tang; renamed Tianqing Temple in the Song; changed to Xuanmiao Temple in the Yuan; renamed Yuanmiao Temple in the Qing to avoid a naming taboo; the oldest Daoist temple in Fujian; rebuilt in the 1990s

Heritage status

Quanzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Site

Overview

Yuanmiao Temple in Quanzhou is traditionally said to have been founded during the Taikang era of the Western Jin, originally named Baiyun Temple; it was called Zhongxing Temple and then Kaiyuan Temple during the Shenlong era of the Tang, renamed Tianqing Temple in the Song, changed to Xuanmiao Temple during the Yuanzhen era of the Yuan, and renamed Yuanmiao Temple in the Qing to avoid the taboo on the Kangxi Emperor's name (Xuanye) — it is the oldest Daoist temple in Fujian, known as "the foremost Daoist temple of the Eight Min." In the Song and Yuan, when Quanzhou was one of the great ports of the world, Yuanmiao Temple was the center of Zhengyi Daoism in southern Fujian; it was repeatedly rebuilt in the Ming and Qing, its halls were demolished in the mid-20th century, and in the 1990s the Sanqing Hall, Yuhuang Hall, and other structures were rebuilt on the original site, and religious activity resumed. The temple preserves some Ming- and Qing-dynasty stone components and steles. It is today the seat of the Quanzhou Taoist Association.

Highlights

• Sanqing Hall
• Ming–Qing Stone Components
• Center of Zhengyi Daoism in Southern Fujian